Surrounding yourself with nature has a positive effect on your mind, body and spirit. As the temperatures cool off it’s harder to get outdoors, but don’t worry. We have some tips to help you bring the outdoors in. 

Go Green

Get some house plants. Look at the spaces you spend the most time and incorporate plants into those spaces. Your home office, kitchen, bedroom, and living room are great places to start. Plants add greenery to your home, and they also clean the air. They increase oxygen production and can improve allergies, boost your immune system, help you sleep, and decrease depression and anxiety symptoms. Caring for living things also has a positive benefit on overall health. It creates a sense of purpose, is rewarding, and can help combat loneliness. 

 Plants like ZZ, Snake Plant, Pothos, and Peace Lily are great starter plants that can thrive just about anywhere in your home. Learn more about decorating with house plants. 

Add Color

If you’re missing a green thumb, try adding fresh flowers to your home instead. A Rutgers University study found that keeping fresh flowers in your home has a positive effect on overall health. The colors you display can have a direct impact on your mood. Add blues, purples and greens to create a calming environment. Use reds, yellows, and oranges to give a burst of energy. Keeping fresh flowers by your bedside can have an immediate positive influence on your day and productivity. 

Read more on the Benefits of House Plants

Use Natural Scents

Incorporate nature into your home with candles or essential oils to recreate your favorite outdoor scents. . Using natural scents can have a similar effect on your brain as going outdoors. Scents like pine, peppermint, jasmine and lavender can create a calming effect and help alleviate stress. 

Use Sounds of Nature

Bring sounds of nature like rushing water, rustling leaves or a crackling fire into your home. Stream nature sounds through your phone, TV or computer. Birds chirping, ocean waves, or a light rain shower all can have a calming effect on the mind and body. 

Star Gazing

Look at the night sky every once in a while. Turn off your home’s lights and look at the night sky through your windows. It is one of the oldest past-times, but often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of life. Take the time to find images in the stars and sky and remind yourself to slow down, even for a moment. 

For more ways to bring the outdoors in, visit any English Gardens location, enjoy our displays of plants and fresh flowers and seek advice from our experts about what will work well in your home.